Howell dispatcher facing charges in 911 call case

Howell dispatcher facing
charges in 911 call case

A Howell police dispatcher is facing disciplinary charges in regard to the performance of his duties, specifically his handling of a 911 call.

Police dispatcher Robert Strauch, who has been employed with Howell since November 1992, was the dispatcher on duty at Howell police headquarters on the night of June 6 when Lakewood resident Thomas Jacobs made repeated 911 calls to police. Jacobs was reporting that he was being pursued by several people in a van. The people in the van turned out to be plainclothes Lakewood police officers.

Jacobs, who was arrested that evening by the Lakewood officers, has alleged that he was beaten by the officers after his vehicle was stopped. Charges, including assault, have been brought by a grand jury against three officers who were present at the scene of Jacobs’ arrest.

Jacobs, 48, has maintained that when he was making the 911 calls to police, he was doing so because he feared for his life. He has said he believed he was being pursued by "kids in a van."

Greater Media Newspapers has learned that following the June 6 Lake-wood incident, Strauch was charged by Howell Police Chief Ronald Carter with failing to follow departmental procedure in his handling of one of Jacobs’ 911 calls that had been routed through the Howell communications dispatch.

According to Howell’s appointed labor attorney Joel Scharff, Strauch faces possible penalties that range from a disciplinary reprimand, suspension, or termination if he is found guilty of a dereliction of his duties.

Carter would not speak about the matter. He referred a reporter to acting Township Manager Bruce Davis. Davis referred a reporter to Scharff.

Scharff confirmed that disciplinary charges had been brought against Strauch and confirmed that a hearing would be held next week at which Davis would likely preside. Scharff would be expected to prosecute the departmental charges on behalf of the township.

Scharff refused to comment as to whether Strauch had ever had any charges filed or reprimands made against him with regard to the performance of his duties.

When contacted by Greater Media Newspapers, attorney Michael Speck, who has been hired by Strauch to represent him at the hearing, said that until the entire contents of all Jacobs’ 911 calls were made available — and not just the one that was received in Howell — it would be impossible for anyone to determine whether Strauch had breached any departmental policy.

The Jacobs matter is still an open investigation for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office which, as yet, has not released the contents of any 911 calls Jacobs made on the evening of June 6.